Q:How will businesses and workers in the City of Spokane be impacted by the new "earned sick and safe leave" law passed by the Spokane City Council?

A:On January 11, 2016, the Spokane City Council passed Ordinance number C-35300 - the "earned sick and safe leave" law.
With limited exceptions, the law requires all employers to provide any employee who performs more than two hundred forty (240) hours of work within the City of Spokane in a calendar year paid time off for qualifying purposes. The amount of leave required to be given depends on the size of the employer and the number of hours worked by the employee, but can be up to 40 hours per year.
Employees can use their paid leave to tend to their own illness, illness of a family member, in some circumstances for certain public heath emergencies, or bereavement purposes. All currently operating businesses in the City of Spokane will have to provide paid leave starting January 1, 2017.
While businesses still have a little time to plan, it is advisable to consult with an experienced attorney to ensure compliance with this, and other, employment laws and regulations.

Jacob Brennan is an attorney at the law firm of Lukins & Annis, where his practice emphasizes business & corporate, commercial, construction, employment & labor, and litigation.